We recently concluded our series on the future of manufacturing. A key takeaway was that even though AI, advanced robotics, IoT and other emerging technologies will be critical, what will drive the future of manufacturing isn’t new at all: ERP.
Having a centralized hub to integrate, organize, and analyze manufacturing data will be more important than ever once advanced and automated technologies run more parts of the supply chain. ERP will be at the core of everything, even more important than before.
Unfortunately, simply having an ERP isn’t enough, and the solution currently in place may be inadequate. Manufacturers must expect more from ERP. More importantly, they must install the right solution soon, because the future of manufacturing is arriving ahead of schedule.
With that in mind, look for these five signs it’s time to modernize ERP
Lack of Automation
Automated processes and AI-driven systems will take productivity and efficiency to amazing heights—provided the ERP makes it possible. Outdated or under-powered systems may offer little in terms of native automation, and they could create issues when trying to incorporate AI. Manufacturers are rightfully optimistic about what autonomous technologies can do, but the ERP can open or shut the door. Ask a simple question: are your automation goals compatible with your ERP? If not, the latter has got to go.
Incomplete Integration
Synchronization defines the future of manufacturing, when multiple processes work in perfect coordination to eliminate bottlenecks and optimize outputs. As the centerpiece of the manufacturing tech stack, the ERP must be able to connect with as many sites, systems, and data sources as possible, including everything new that comes online. Evaluate how much of your tech stack does or doesn’t integrate with the ERP, understanding the goal should be as close to 100% as possible.
Compliance & Cybersecurity Concerns
Manufacturers have always been prime targets for data theft and cyber crime, and attacks will only increase in speed, scale, and damages. Likewise, tomorrow’s manufacturers will need to comply with even more privacy, safety, and environmental regulations than today. The ERP must be flexible enough to accommodate new cybersecurity and regulatory requirements, but many current systems are too slow or rigid to adapt. How has your system adapted to the previous two or three regulatory changes?
Obstacles to Growth
Few manufacturers will look identical in 20 years as they design new products, enter new markets, innovate production processes, or completely rethink their business model. Older ERPs have technical limitations that make it harder—or impossible—to evolve and stay competitive. Newer solutions, however, offer tools to help locate untapped opportunities, plan for change, and adapt to the expected and the unexpected alike. If you had to make drastic changes to your current ERP, would it be possible?
Poor Visibility
As data becomes increasingly important to every phase of production, manufacturers need to to see as much as possible, as quickly as possible, with as little effort as possible. Failure on any of those fronts makes decision-making a guessing game, but yesterday’s ERPs were not built to be the dynamic information ecosystems of tomorrow. Are there gaps in visibility already, and how will they widen over time?
Don’t Wait to Modernize ERP
Even if the current ERP works adequately, it may be more of an impediment than it seems, especially when it keeps the future of manufacturing at bay. Rather than waiting for the consequences of outdated technology to become impossible to ignore, pursue an upgrade now. Lay the foundation for the future of manufacturing by modernizing ERP.
Guide Technologies is here to help you objectively assess your current ERP. And if a replacement is in order, we can help you find the right replacement, plan and execute the implementation, and handle all the technical and logistical requirements along the way.
Feel certain about modernizing ERP. Contact Guide Technologies.
